In my last review of King Conan: Hour of the Dragon Part 5, I said that Truman’s interpitation was starting to look real promising, And I was right on that assumption, Hour of the Dragon Part 5 is outstanding. Truman and Giorello should be praise for the work they are doing with Robert E. Howard’s original story.

Issue#5 plot outline is simple; Conan rescues the damsel in distress, who is locked inside the tower, But the same time Truman makes it more appealing by adding more twists and turns to it which making this issue extremely entertaining, there was never a dull moment, Truman does a wonderful job balancing action a disposition throughout the issue, and Tomas Giorello’s art work is on point, the details of each panel drawing is beautiful, he illustrates each characters emotion to perfection.

Conan is determined to regain his kingdom, and he does so with a cunning approach, using the secret passage ways below the kingdom Conan silently makes his move and successful rescues Albiona. And with the help of the high priest Hadrathus they escape on harmed. Hadrathus then tells them that in order to destroy Xaltotun he must steal the gem Taracus took form Xaltotun’s tomb as he slept. The Issue ends with Taracus giving a mysterious hooded man orders to hunt down and kill Conan.

This is a perfect issue in my opinion, the story is complete and it makes sense. Like I said Truman balances everything well in this issue. And for that I can’t wait to see how this ends

After escaping Taracus dungeon, Conan continues to ride further away from Aquilonian, he finally reaches the border Aquilonian , He then comes across a few soldiers harassing an old woman. Conan jumps in and defends the old woman, and with a little help Conan makes quick work of the soldiers.

The old woman introduces herself as Zelata, she is known as a witch by many, Zelata also seems to know exactly who Conan is and decides to help him. At this point we learn more about Zelata, we find out that she’s protected by the animals in the surrounding area, and that she considers them to be her children, we also find out she has to power to show people there past and future. She demonstrates this power by touching Conan’s head, In his visions Conan sees that the people of his kingdom believe that he is truly dead, and so they crown Baron Amalric of Nemedia as king. But that’s not the only thing he is shown, at the same time he sees that the wizard Xaltotun is also making a move, and he has a very powerful gem with him, a gem that Conan has seen before.

The next day Conan thanks Zelata, and promises to paid his debt to her. He then rides westward to find his commanders and generals, again at this point we see how the neighboring villages have been ravaged and burned to the ground. Conan then comes across the plantation of Servius Galaninus who is an ally, he ask’s Servius is he’s heard from Publius,Trocero, General Pallantides and Prospero. Servius informs him that they all went into hiding once they heard Conan had died, he also tells him that the people are afraid because they believe he was cursed by sorcery, Servius then tells him that all who are loyal where banished or executed, Also in Tarantia they have captured the young lady, and has locked her in the Iron Tower.

Conan realizes that young lady in the tower is none other than Zenboia, he then quickly jumps on his horse and races to Tarantia alone.

Final thoughts: This issue was mostly a setup chapter in my opinion, although we did get the introduction of a new character that looks as if she will play a big role in the next few issues, but besides that nothing special happened, the next issue looks promising.

After reading the latest issue of King Conan: The Hour of the Dragon part 3 three words came into mind, Violence, Infatuation, and betrayal. The beginning of the issue starts off with violence; we see Conan fighting for his life against a Grey-Ape of the Forest of Vilayet Sea, with the help of Zenboia. Conan was able to defeat the Grey-Ape. The fight between Conan and the Grey-Ape is a barbaric one, you can see the blood-lust in both of their eyes as the jump for each other’s throat’s; this was well depicted by Tomas Giorello.

After their encounter with the Grey-Ape, Conan and Zenboia continue to escape the dungeon; meanwhile we see Tarascus and his followers are conspiring against the wizard Xaltotun. During that time Conan and Zenboia are seen listening to Tarascus as he explains his plan of taking control of the wizard.

With Taracus in his sights and filled with anger for what has happened to him and his kingdom Conan leaps in for the kill despite Zenboia’s warning. And again he finds himself in another violent battle only this time it’s against one of Tarascus guardsman.

After missing his chance of killing Taracus, Conan and Zenboia finally escape; But Zenboia alters the plan and insists on staying in order for Conan to escape, her devotion to keep him safe somewhat baffles Conan, to the point he promises to comeback for her as soon as he can. The issue ends with Conan sneaking his way to the Fountain of Thrallos a place Zenboia promised him a horse for his escape, That plan almost fails when the guardsman he fought earlier is there waiting for him, But this time around Conan easily defeats the guardsman and rides off.

Final thoughts: The thing that stood out me in this issue is Zenboia’s infatuation/devotion to a man she doesn’t know is somewhat bizarre, it reminds me of Lord of the Rings Éowyn relationship with Aragorn, where she was attracted to Aragorn’s heroism. The difference between Zenboia and Eowyn is that one displays more love while the other displays more devotion.

In the end the relationship between Conan and Zenboia is what keeps me hooked, I want to see how that relationship falls apart, and how it effects Truman’s version of Conan.

The Secular Humanist Occult Obliteration Taskforce uses the power of their own disbelief (as filtered through sci-fi weaponry) to protect humanity from supernatural creatures that seek to do us harm…but for S.H.O.O.T., that means demons, angels and everything in between. Original, irreverent and sure-to-be controversial – S.H.O.O.T. First promises sci-fi action in the Dark Horse tradition, with a bold new twist.

Since arriving Pandemonium Hellboy has been shown a lot of his family’s legacy, guided by his uncle who explains the responsibility his father had in Pandemonium and the of sacrifices he made in order to keep Hellboy alive and out of the hands of those who wanted the throne.

In the beginning of the issue it is explain to Hellboy that his birth was going to change Pandemonium, just minutes after he was born has father called upon a great power to replace his right hand with The Right Hand Of Doom. Being afraid of what could happen should hellboy live the other princes of Pandemonium sent angels of Destruction to Wipeout him and his family, the plan failed due to Hellboy accidently being sent to earth.

Moments later he is taken to the tomb of his father Azzeal who appears to be trapped in a Iceberg, this is when it gets interesting , Hellboys two older brothers appear and they tell him that how they were waiting for his arrival for some time now they comment on how being with humans has made him soft and he no longer should have the right hand of doom, A fight breaks out between them with both brothers trying to take his arm, meanwhile his father who is alive inside the iceberg tomb is watching his sons battle it out, we find out that Hellboy is his favorite son the one he put all his trust in.

As the battle continues more is reveal about his arm and what power it possesses , his uncle tells them that with the arm and sword of his father , the winner would have control of their fathers army, a army powerful enough to bring down hell or heaven., he also says that the winner will also need someone wise to guide them. The fight takes a shocking turn when there uncle interrupts and takes out one of the brothers, but seconds after he along with the last of hellboys brothers are swallowed by a huge worm like creature called Leviathan came from underneath them.

Finally in the end of the issue Hellboy meets another form his past and is given news that may change the future of not only pandemonium but of his as well.

Finial thoughts: Hellboy In Hell #3 is a really good issue it reveals alot of his past something I was always curious about, What really stands out to me is how well written this arc is, nothing seems rushed you can tell Mike Mignola is taking his time in each issue every panel is well layout and easy to understand the dialog between characters is easy to follow you know who is saying what, the art on the other hand is sometimes inconsistent some characters look familiar to one another at times but it’s not a big deal its just noticeable, overall this a good issue and one worth picking up!

Retailers around the country are sold out of the critically acclaimed first issue of Hellboy in Hell.

In response, Dark Horse is reprinting the acclaimed first issue. The reprint is available for reorder now, with an on-sale date of January 30, just 1 week before Hellboy in Hell #3 goes on sale.

After saving the world in The Storm and The Fury, but sacrificing himself and Great Britain, Hellboy is dead, cast into Hell, where he finds many familiar faces, and a throne that awaits him. After several years away, Mike Mignola returns to write and draw Hellboy’s ongoing story. It’s a tale only Mignola could tell, as more of Hellboy’s secrets are at last revealed, in the most bizarre depiction of Hell you’ve ever seen.

Praise for Hellboy in Hell:

“Hellboy in Hell #1 is indescribably good. No amount of hyperbole can do the book justice. Mike Mignola is back, and better than ever.” – Newsarama

“Like H.P. Lovecraft, like Robert E. Howard, like William Hope Hodgson, Mike Mignola has a unique voice and vision that many will attempt to imitate and all will fail.” – Comics Bulletin

“Unlike the homogenized pin-up art that saturates many high-profile comic books, this is a mainstream title with a truly unique vision that you won’t find anywhere else.” – Complex

“There’s no denying this simple fact: it’s great to have Mignola back at the drawing table again.” – Comic Book Resources

“The creator has lost none of his touch, delivering page after page with cinematic action sequences, haunting imagery, and inventive layouts that all contribute to the sense that Hellboy is on the cusp of something huge. The thought that we’re going to regularly see Mignola in the artist’s chair is even better.” – IGN

After falling deeper into the heart of hell to a place called Pandemonium which is the oringinal home world of Hellboy form there the issue opens up more as Sir Eric exlpain’s to him that his presents there has caused the princes and minsters of hell to fleed in fear of has return, thinking he would come to claim his throne, As they countiue through Pandemonium they reach a citadel and behind it the throne and crown of Hellboy’s father which now is rightful his to claim,But hellboy respectful declines saying he doesnt want any of it.

As they make it to the end of the citadel Sir Eric zaps Hellboy to another part of pandemonuim but this time he is greeted by another who shows him The River Cocytus which is the place things form earth fall down too, in that river are fish which turn out to be souls wanting to be judge by The fisher of Souls who is said to have build Pandemonium with his own hands, as they watch the fisher work smashing away on a human like figure a curious hellboy asks what he is making to which the guide anwsers saying “The great Army of Hell, your Army”. Once again Hellboy makes it clear he wants no part of the throne, But to him dismay he is taken to his place of birth and shown though telepathy other importing events….

Final thoughts: Like issue #1 Writer Mike Mignola keeps it simple and straight foward once again giving us a glimpse of Hellboys linage reveiling some secrets the Right Hand of Doom may have. What I like most about Mignola is that he understands the significance of story development and pacing for character as well diverse as Hellboy something I find refreshing. Not alot is going on in this issue as far as action but the main story more then makes up for that, while I’m a big hellboy fan I’am however a fan of quality well written comics and this is turning out to be one of those

Hellboy In Hell #1 Is the continuation of The Storm and The Fury Tales, after sacrificing himself and Great Britain, Hellboy is cast into hell where many of demons and monsters he had faced are there waiting on his arrival, Mike Mignola is back as writer and artist for this story arc.

In the beginning of the issue we see Hellboy fighting a dragon in what looks like hell, after stabbing it in the chest with a sword both him and the dragon are seen crashing into a pit, inside a unknown being grabs and pulls out his heart stating “If I’m bound for hell…I will not go alone”. After that we see the Baba Yaga and an Sir Eric are talking about Hellboy slaying the dragon and his run in with a demon named Nimue (The one who pulled out his heart), Sir Eric tells Baba Yaga his plans of taking Hellboy with him saying that his story is not over yet, Baba Yaga warns him of what trouble it will cause once Hellboy is released and is he ready for that burden. Meanwhile Hellboy inside the pit is confronted and attacked by a collections of various monsters, with the help of Sir Eric the warlock he is saved and they teleported to what looks like a old monastery. There Hell tells him that one the demons that attack was Eligo’s a duke and knight in the living world who was shamed by Hellboy and cast down to the pit once Hellboy defeated him, the conversation is cut short when Eligo appears and attacks Hellboy pushing him through a doorway..

Final thoughts: Hellboy In Hell #1 is a ongoing story with multiple arcs, similar to the Conan comics also release by Dark horse. New readers my not understand what’s going on in the beginning of the issue because of the multiple story arc tie-ins . Writer Mike Mignola keeps issue #1 simple and straightforward for the most part making it relatively easy to follow for new readers like myself, On the other hand hardcore fans my not like that it’s a little simplistic. In the end Mignola writing is good enough to keep the readers wanting more.

Let me say I do recommend readers to checkout past issues so you can get a clue on certain things, besides that Hellboy In Hell has alot of potential and I can’t wait see how Mike Mignola unravels this story.